Governor’s brother being sued in Linn County

Gov. Terry Branstad's brother is being sued in Linn County District Court for failing to pay more than $12,000 a Cedar Rapids company claims is owed for moving power lines on Monroe “Monte” Branstad's northern Iowa farm.

According to attorneys for ITC Midwest LLC, which has an office in Cedar Rapids, Branstad agreed to pay the power transmission line company $16,479 to move electric lines so he could move a building on his Forest City area farm.

ITC claims it has been paid $3,666, but is still owed $12,813. It is claiming breach of contract and unjust enrichment.

Comment is being sought from Monte Branstad's attorney. In a May 24 message to ITC's attorney, Branstad's attorney said he had reminded his client and “Hopefully the check will be on its way shortly. Thank you for your patience.”

The Governor's Office had no comment, except to say he is not involved in the farm operation.